Safety notes

Electricity generation: Part 2

Activity 11:

If grass is brought into the class, it is essential that it is clean and recently cut. Also it should not contain seed heads or ‘flowers’.

Put the mowings in an over-large thin plastic bag which need not be opened at all. The children can then feel that the grass is warm inside without opening the bag. A second, thicker bag outside the thin one could be used for transit to protect the thin one from damage.

The thin bag containing the grass should not be opened and care should be taken to prevent children breathing air from the bag. If bare hands touch the grass at any stage they must be washed immediately with soap and water.

It is important that you check that the school is happy for you to proceed with this activity, prior to your visit, and there are no children who would be allergic to the grass.

Activity 13:

Have a kitchen roll or large sponge handy to mop up any spills. Avoid spilling water onto the floor as this might cause it to become slippery and a child might fall.

Activities 16 and 17:

Cut the stiff paper for the windmill in advance and punch the holes to avoid the possibility of the children cutting or stabbing themselves.

When the children blow, they should not blow directly into the face of another child.

Make sure a modern fan is used which will have a safety cage around the blades (some old ones have bare blades). A hair dryer switched to produce cold air could be used here instead.

The electric fan or hair dryer should be PAT tested before use. If items are available which belong to the school they should already have been tested.

Activity 18:

The table lamp should be PAT tested before use. If items are available which belong to the school they should already have been tested.

Activity 19:

Be careful if you remove the small battery from the calculator and keep it away from the children – it could be swallowed.